Twylah June McGee Horne, 92, of Ada, OK, passed away January 23, 2024 surrounded by her adoring family. She was born at her grandmother’s home in Okemah, OK on March 9, 1931. Twylah was the daughter of A.M. “Buster” and Arlene McGee of Excelsior, OK and graduated from Excelsior High School in 1949. She then attended Oklahoma A&M before meeting and marrying her love of 63 years, Billy John Horne. Bill and Twylah were married during the Great Ice Storm of 1951. They began their marriage living in Stillwater, OK and added to their young family when Billy John Horne, Jr. was born in 1952, and Twylah Jenonne Horne was born in 1954. Bill and Twylah moved to Ada, OK in 1958 where they attended the First Methodist Church. Twylah’s first priority was her family where she served as a loving wife, mother, and inviting homemaker, and she was always involved in her children’s activities. She was also active in Bible study and Bridge Club, and she was a dedicated hospital volunteer for many years. She continued her education and completed her Bachelor of Science in Education from East Central State College in 1964. In 1966, Bill and Twylah welcomed their daughter, Jeanetta Eve Horne. The Hornes joined the First Baptist Church of Ada, OK in 1975 and faithfully served as Sunday School teachers. Twylah also served her church by organizing funeral meals for many years; Twylah was known for her warm greetings, big smile, contagious laughter, and servant’s heart. Bill and Twylah enjoyed traveling near and far together for family vacations, work trips, and especially OSU sporting events. Even in her final years, Twylah may hold the record for most cookies baked for church newcomers and senior adults, and she was actively involved in her community and family’s activities. She was an inaugural member of OBU Women of Vision and would travel many miles to be present for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s special events. Above all else, Twylah loved the Lord Jesus and was a faithful prayer warrior!
Twylah was preceded in death by her husband - Billy John Horne, Sr, father - A.M. “Buster” McGee, mother - Jeanette Arlene McGee, brother - John Arlen McGee, and son-in-law - Ned Allen Kessler.
She is survived by her children: Billy John Horne Jr. and wife Amanda, Twylah Jenonne (Horne) Kessler, Jeanetta Eve (Horne) Bagwell and husband Steve, grandchildren: Lindsay (Kessler) and Dustin Ash, Zane and Lucy Kessler, Hayley (Kessler) and Cody Diffee, Katie Horne, Jenny Horne, Sarah (Horne) and Trey Petty, Karen (Horne) and Jeremy Franklin, Christina and Carson Thetford, Andrew and Natalie Campbell, Elizabeth Bagwell, Emily Bagwell and Caroline Bagwell, 21 great-grandchildren, nephews: Steve (Allison) Horne and Jay (Kenda) Horne, and numerous cousins.
The family will receive visitors at Criswell Funeral Home in Ada on Sunday, January 28th from 4-6PM. A Celebration of Life Service will be officiated by Rev. John Haynes at First Baptist Church Ada on Monday, January 29th at 1pm.
Pallbearers: Zane Kessler, Andrew Campbell, Dustin Ash, Cody Diffee, Trey Petty, Jeremy Franklin, and Carson Thetford. Honorary Pallbearers: Laurin Patton, Bryan Harwell, Harold Ware, and David Kileen.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing in Twylah’s memory towards First Baptist Church Ada, East Central University Foundation, Oklahoma Baptist University, or American Cancer Society.
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
